Between Agency Work and Open Source (with Zoey and Dan from SIDESTREAM)
Sep 5, 2024
auto_awesome
Zoey and Dan from SIDESTREAM join the conversation, bringing their expertise in open-source Nuxt modules. They explore how open-source initiatives enhance their agency work, the nuances of hiring in the Vue job market, and the tech stack choices that set them apart. The duo discusses the development of Sidebase from a template, their migration to TypeScript, and the benefits of community engagement in open-source. They also delve into the development of authentication modules and the evolving landscape of collaborating in the tech community. It's an insightful dive into innovation and cooperation!
Zoe and Dan transitioned from a Python background to using Vue.js and Nuxt.js for their projects, emphasizing flexibility and rapid deployment.
SideStream's choice to embrace open source through SideBase stemmed from their desire to share valuable tools and foster community engagement.
Clients prefer quality outcomes over specific tech stacks, allowing SideStream to thrive with modern frameworks like Vue.js and Nuxt.js despite initial concerns.
Deep dives
Founding and Growth of SideStream
SideStream was founded in 2018 by Zoe and Dan, who sought to create a high-quality software development agency with a focus on modern technologies. Over time, the agency grew to 25 employees, fostering a work culture centered around doing meaningful work and maintaining a positive environment. In 2022, they launched a nonprofit spin-off, SideBase, which was created from learnings and tools developed in over 100 projects completed for various clients. This transition allowed them to open source a starter project that served as a template for future endeavors in the Nuxt ecosystem.
Technology Transition and Methodology
Initially, Zoe and Dan came from a background in Python, which influenced their initial tech choices for building applications. However, as they continued developing projects, they found Vue.js and Nuxt.js provided flexibility and a quicker learning curve, enabling them to ship products rapidly. After experiencing the gradual transitions within their team, they recognized the increased efficiency brought by a unified tech stack, allowing every developer to contribute across the front-end and back-end. This change has facilitated a smoother working environment, as team members can now function as full-stack developers.
Client Perspectives and Hiring Practices
Clients have shown more interest in outcomes rather than the specific tech stack being utilized, which has allowed SideStream to attract projects despite initial fears about not having React developers on their team. They learned that modern frontend frameworks like Vue.js and Nuxt.js are acceptable in most client engagements, emphasizing the quality of results. SideStream has also implemented training for new employees, transforming recent graduates into proficient developers quickly. By creating a welcoming culture and working with students, they have fostered a strong talent pool within the organization.
Open Sourcing SideBase and Community Impact
The decision to open source SideBase was not initially planned; rather, it developed organically as they found value in sharing their tools and methods with the community. This shift allowed SideStream to create and maintain a presence within the Nuxt ecosystem while attracting contributions and feedback from external developers. Engaging in open source has not only empowered the team but has also cultivated connections within the developer community, fostering collaboration that enhances their projects. The response to SideBase has been overwhelmingly positive, encouraging the team to maintain and improve the starter project continually.
Future Directions and New Ventures
Moving forward, SideStream aims to specialize in developing custom ERP systems tailored to clients' needs and dive deeper into the Web 3.0 landscape, having already established experience working with significant players in the crypto industry. They believe that creating custom solutions is beneficial for clients who seek to digitize their internal processes without sacrificing their established workflows. As they grow, they also plan to continue evolving SideBase and maintain the authenticity of their contributions to the community. By observing market trends and user demands, they hope to remain relevant while promoting sustainable development practices.
This DejaVue episode is a world premiere, with having two guests on the episode for the first time! And not only that, the topics are exciting too. Michael and Alex are joined by Dan and Zoey, both working at SIDESTREAM, an agency using Vue and Nuxt to realize projects.
But besides the project business, they also have Sidebase, a non-profit "spin-off" responsible for open-source Nuxt modules like @sidebase/nuxt-auth which some of you might know already!
Listen to the discussion around how doing Open Source benefits SIDESTREAM, how the Vue job market and hiring works, why Vue and Nuxt were chosen first of all and all around Nuxt Auth and further modules. Enjoy the episode!
Enjoy the episode!
Chapters
(00:00) - Welcome to DejaVue
(01:37) - Sidebase vs SIDESTREAM
(03:57) - How did you choose Vue and Nuxt?
(08:21) - Do clients care about your tech stack?
(10:31) - Finding Vue.js Developer to Hire
(14:35) - What brought SIDESTREAM to open source?
(18:45) - Developing Sidebase - From template to starter
(22:11) - Which choices Sidebase offer?
(26:03) - The case against wrapper packages
(28:57) - How did SIDESTREAM benefits from Sidebase?
(33:17) - Inspired by Open Source
(37:42) - Influence from previous projects on Sidebase
(40:33) - Moving from Python to full-tack TypeScript
(45:48) - Separate services or one Nuxt application?
(49:47) - The Sidebase Nuxt Auth Module
(54:14) - Migrating the base of Nuxt Auth to Auth.js
(56:02) - Other Auth solutions
(01:02:37) - Dead ends during module development
(01:07:48) - The future of Sidebase and SIDESTREAM
Links marked with * are affiliate links. We get a small commission when you register for the service through our link. This helps us to keep the podcast running. We only include affiliate links for services mentioned in the episode or that we use ourselves.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
